Malaysia suspends recruitment of foreign workers

The Malaysian government has decided to suspend the recruitment of all foreign workers to the country, including those from Bangladesh. Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi made the disclosure on Friday, reports The Star.

The decision comes a day after Bangladesh inked a deal to send 1.5 million workers to Malaysia under Government to Government Plus mechanism. “We urge all employers to recruit local workers,” said Ahmad Zahid after meeting Army personnel at Kem Muara Tuang.

He said the suspension would be in place while theMalaysian government reviewed the two-tier levy programme for foreign workers.

Ahmad Zahid added that existing illegal workers in Malaysia would be detained and deported.

Acting secretary of Expatriate Ministry in Bangladesh, Begum Shamsunnahar told the Dhaka Tribune: “It is just an eyewash. The Malaysian government has made the announcement to calm the pressure groups in that country who do not want foreign workers’ recruitment.

“Bangladesh will send workers to Malaysia as per the deal signed between the two countries.”